Winterizing pond!!

[Ranchu Rancher]

The first picture is my first pond that I built this summer.http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss90/gsh55/first%20pics/125.jpg The second is where the fish went that were in it.http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss90/gsh55/first%20pics/072.jpg And the third is how my pond looks now. I did this because I have put my Ranchus in it. Trying to get them to breed so I though a cold spell would help.http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss90/gsh55/first%20pics/071.jpg

[bigbettadan]

Looks great! Whats your depth? You will need at least a depth of 28 inches for safe overwinter hibernation......

Dan

[Ranchu Rancher]

Dan: My hope is to at least keep them out until mid December. The pond is only 18 inches deep. I have a Ranco temp control with 2 800 watt heaters. I'm hoping to keep the temp around 55 degrees. Their is a second full moon in December on the 31. My plan is to try for breeding then. If the weather holds I will try and make into January. Although I'm not holding out hope its already getting into the 40's at night and their is snow in the forcast this weekend.


Gregg

[opera]

Hi Gregg,

Nice looking neat pond. I wish I have one like yours. you mentioned that you would like to breed them on december 31. Any reason why. Now the wheather would be low enough for breeding, right? Could be elaborate more. I am new for breeding the goldfish. I would like to learn more. I think breeding goldfish would be very fun.

Thanks,
Opera

[Ranchu Rancher]

Full moons are one of the triggers that get goldfish to breed. If I bring them in at the right time and get the temp up in the aquarium and provide them with just enough food chances are they will breed.

Gregg

[johnatoranchu]

Hi Gregg
Don't believe all you hear about breeding and the full moon - I'm afraid it has been scientifically proven that it's not true. Am always afraid to talk weather with you guys as your seasons/temperatures vary dramatically from state to state and my US geography is not good. However it seems that you are expecting a cold spell so I would suggest that instead of planning December spawns you delay them for a couple of months. Keeping Ranchu at 55F will not allow them to rest and they will require feeding. Can I suggest that you stop feeding now and let the water temperature drop slowly to 46/47F, assuming that the ambient temperature is cold enough to allow you to do this. Drop the temperature by 1 or 2 degrees each day. I am also assuming that the water is clean and that all plants have been removed. Hold the water temperature at 46/47F for 8 weeks. Do not change any water. Then raise the temperature by 1F per day and when the temperature reaches 52 start light feeding. Continue to raise the temperature by 1F daily and resume regular water changing once water temperature reaches 55F. Hold the temperature at 68F and if the weather is bright the fish should spawn regardless of the phase of the moon!!!!
John

[Ranchu Rancher]

Still to warm for temp to drop that low. Water temp is 60 degrees. The problem is Temps here in Wisconsin can reach to -20. I have not turned on the heater as of yet. Thanks for the info, I will do what the weather will let me.

Gregg

[opera]

Thank you very much for the information. I will use this method for this winter... and happy breeding..:)

[bekko]

There are many zeitgebers and temperature is only one of them. Light actually has a more profound influence and there are synergies when several cues are combined.

-steve

[opera]

Hi John,

This means that it is better to hibernate the ranchu before raising the temperature and spwan?

Thanks,
Opera

[Virginia ranchu]

Gregg,

I'm impressed with your DIY capabilities. The indoor pond filtration looks very advanced.

My observations about the full moon is that it can have an influence, however, as John pointed out, I have also seen plenty of spawns without a full moon. Water changes, moving fish to a spot with morning sun, a clear day after a rainy period, bringing fish indoors in December...all will trigger spawning as well.

Cheers,

Rob

[Cincy Ranchu]

I am a big full moon fan, Of my typical 20 to 25 spawns a year 89% are always within 2 days of the full moon. The remainder seem to be water change driven either by storms or artifical water changes.

:exact:

[bekko]

Most of my spawns are one to three days before the full moon. Spawns fall of on the morning of the official full moon.

A rapidly falling barometer is also a strong trigger.

-steve

[Ranchu Rancher]

The temp in my pond had gotten down to 54 F. We are now haveing a warm spell and the temp is up to 64 F in my pond. Should I continue to leave them out or with this warm spell should I bring them in ?


Gregg

[Cincy Ranchu]

The temp in my pond had gotten down to 54 F. We are now haveing a warm spell and the temp is up to 64 F in my pond. Should I continue to leave them out or with this warm spell should I bring them in ?


Gregg

Gregg mine in unprotected tubs that have hardware cloth on yhem to prevent Racoons from getting them when they chill. I would do noting until the Saturday after Thanksgiving unless they area laying on their side for several days. In my tubs I often have to break ice to bring them in.... Run a hose in for a while and add a little dechlor every two week or so

Eggs for Christmas, is always good!:exact: